Download.it search icon

Play YouTube videos in background while using other apps and exploring genre-based music playlists

Play YouTube videos in background while using other apps and exploring genre-based music playlists

Vote (1 votes)

Program license Free

Developer Yossef Faroh Zada

Version 4.1.11

Works under Android

Also known as BG Player

Vote

(1 votes)

Developer

Yossef Faroh Zada

Works under

Android

Program license

Free

Version

4.1.11

Also known as

BG Player

Pros

  • Enables background playback of YouTube videos and music
  • Clean, intuitive interface with basic playlist management
  • Quick access to music genres via Music Stories
  • Includes sleep timer and lyric search for convenience

Cons

  • Lacks advanced playback controls (resolution, captions, reporting)
  • No lock screen or picture-in-picture playback
  • Occasional ads from YouTube may still appear
  • Features less rich than dedicated music streaming apps

Play YouTube music and videos in the background with a simple interface

Overview

BG Player is an Android application designed to tackle a common limitation faced by YouTube users—the inability to continue playback when switching to other apps. Acting as a lightweight third-party YouTube player, BG Player gives users the freedom to listen to music or watch videos while multitasking, all within a minimal, user-friendly environment.

Background Playback for YouTube Content

A core strength of BG Player is its ability to let audio from YouTube videos continue playing in the background, even when the user navigates away from the app or turns off the display. This functionality is especially useful for those who prefer using YouTube for music, podcasts, or long-form content while working, browsing, or messaging. Users can search for any video directly from BG Player, which then streams content without interruption.

Interface and Navigation

The app features a straightforward, predominantly white interface divided into five main tabs: Search, Stories, History, Playlists, and Player. Search functionality is quick and reliable, with recent histories easily accessible for replaying videos or audio. The Playlists tab allows users to organize favorite tracks and build personal queues, while Stories offers one-tap access to curated music genres. The Player tab delivers core playback controls, such as play, pause, and seek.

Playback Features and Limitations

BG Player mainly emphasizes background listening, and its media controls support basic operations. While the app’s playback quality matches that of YouTube, it lacks some advanced features: video resolution cannot be manually set, subtitles and captions are missing, and tools such as reporting or flagging content aren't available. Additionally, BG Player doesn’t support minimized “picture-in-picture” playback or playing content on a locked screen, which may be a drawback for users seeking those capabilities.

An extra touch is the built-in lyrics finder for music videos—an appealing feature for karaoke lovers or those wanting to follow along with their favorite songs. The sleep timer adds convenience for users who listen before bed, automatically pausing playback after a chosen period.

Music Discovery and Playlists

The Music Stories section highlights genre-driven playlists. Selecting a genre like rock, pop, or jazz quickly produces a playlist of matching songs sourced from YouTube, starting playback instantly. Though not as comprehensive as dedicated music streaming platforms, this approach offers quick music discovery without requiring manual playlist curation.

Performance and Usability

BG Player delivers stable performance, with responsive searches and smooth streaming similar to the native YouTube experience. The interface is uncluttered, making it approachable for new users. However, the app’s licensing and reliance on YouTube’s library means occasional limitations—ads may still appear within videos, and some content types could be restricted.

Conclusion

BG Player stands out for one key feature: enabling background playback of YouTube content without premium subscriptions. While it streamlines multitasking for music and video fans, it doesn’t replicate every advanced audio or video option found in the YouTube app. Those seeking elaborate media controls or lock-screen playback may need to explore alternatives.

Pros

  • Enables background playback of YouTube videos and music
  • Clean, intuitive interface with basic playlist management
  • Quick access to music genres via Music Stories
  • Includes sleep timer and lyric search for convenience

Cons

  • Lacks advanced playback controls (resolution, captions, reporting)
  • No lock screen or picture-in-picture playback
  • Occasional ads from YouTube may still appear
  • Features less rich than dedicated music streaming apps